Ramadan Promos and Offerings 2014 (Restaurants)

So, we've done the hotels, now it's time to bring you the list of restaurants and their Iftar offerings. I thought we've done this last year and I've been looking for it in our archive. Turns out we only shared them in our Facebook page and didn't make this kind of list in our blog. So this is the first time. And you know how many restaurants are in Riyadh? A LOT. Gathering them up will take me the entire Ramadan. So here's an initial list of the restaurants that made a good effort in making their Ramadan menu known through their social media. 

Indeed a tender way to break fast.

Piatto Italian Restaurant offers a menu of delicious pastas, pizza, and meat dishes at a reduced price specially for Ramadan. You can start off with their creamy Warm Artichoke Spinach Dip and dig in their free fresh garden salad, soup of the day and rosemary garlic bread. Check out their Ramadan menu HERE. Piatto has branches in Exit 5 and in Panorama Mall.

W: www.piatto.com.sa

FB: https://www.facebook.com/PiattoKSA

T: +966-11-211-4678

TSC Signature's good food (photo from their FB page)

One of our faves, TSC Signature, has a set menu for their Ramadan Iftar. If you order any of their main dishes ranging from SR 65 (sandwich/burger), SR 75 (pizza/pasta) to SR 95 (for their yummy steak), you get a free soup, appetizers (includes sambusa and Italian and Arabic salads), homemade desserts, and a choice of beverage. Visit their menu HERE. TSC Signature is located just off Tahlia Street.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/pages/TSC-Signature/418601704939784?fref=nf 

T: +966-11-293-9693 

An array of starters from Trader Vic's buffet

Trader Vic’s in Panorama Mall is one of the restaurants that offering a buffet during Ramadan. Last year, we enjoyed their appetizers and main courses. This year, we haven’t tried it but you can beat us to it. SR 109 per person.

FB: www.facebook.com/tradervics.sa 

T: +966-11-281-4782 

Lusin, the first and only restaurant that serves Armenia cuisine in Riyadh is having a buffet for Ramadan. So if you’re trying to find something new to your palate, then get ready to fork over SR 225 per person in Centria Mall. 

W: www.lusinrestaurant.com 

T: 9200 02690 

BBQ Chicken delivers!

BBQ Chicken ushers out their cold buffet, soups and desserts at SR 55 per person and free for kids under the age of 6. Then you can choose your main meal from their a la carte menu. From SR 39 chicken dishes to SR 39 pastas, no item in their Ramadan menu is over SR 50! You can check out their menu HERE. BBQ is in Thalateen Street.

W: www.bbqchickenksa.com

T: +966-11-462-3343 

Best Ramadan deal ever! :P

You know where you’ll get the best Ramadan deal ever? At a furniture shop! Yes, IKEA is offering a Ramadan combo priced at SR 19. You read that right: SR 19! For that price, you’ll get a main meal, desert, salad, and soup! Your kids get an even sweeter deal because it’s only SR 9 for them. 

W: www.ikea.com.sa 

The steakhouses in the city are all ready for Iftar! Check out the following offerings from the authorities of grilled meats: 

What are you having?

Steak House will welcome you with an Iftar menu that’s almost fit for 2 people because just a trip to their soup and salad bar is enough to fill your hungry tummies! You get those for free if you order any of their special meals included in their Ramadan menu which you can check out HERE. Reserve as early as possible because branches to tend to get packed. Steak House is located in Exit 5 and in Thalateen Street.

FB: www.facebook.com/SteakHouseSA 

T: 800-249-2222 

Outback Steakhouse in Localizer Mall has an SR 67 Ramadan menu. Choose from their Alice Springs Chicken, Mahi Hearts of Gold, Grilled Chicken on the Barbie, and Prime Rib Pasta and you’ll get to enjoy their free selection of dates, Arabic coffee, sambousa, soup, and salad. With a dessert of vanilla ice cream to boot! 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/outbacksteakhouseksa 

T: +966-11-217-4633 

You'll already be full with Applebee's appetizers!

Applebee’s is offering two choices for your Iftar meal. A Set Menu where you can order one of their selected dishes and you’ll get a free drink, salad, soup, and dates. The other is their Unlimited Menu where you’ll get unlimited soups, salads, and appetizers when you order one of their pre-determined entrees. Unfortunately their menu is not available online so you have to visit to see it. Applebee's is in Tahlia Street

W: www.applebeesme.com

Try checking out food delivery sites hellofood.com, foodonclick.com and otlob.com too. Restaurants in their list are also offering Ramadan specials. Just make sure to chat with their representative online to make sure that your resto of choice is already open for delivery. Ramadan timings vary.

There are more iftar offers for sure but I can't research them all in one day, especially when some of them encourages you to go to their restos instead to find out what they're offering. I'll be updating this list as we encounter more offers and try some of them as the holy month of Ramadan unfolds in Riyadh. Check back this entry from time to time. Or follow us in our Facebook page. :) 

Ramadan Kareem! ~ Sundrenched

Ramadan Tents and Buffets 2014 (Hotels)

A lot of our readers are waiting for this list of tents and buffets in Riyadh now that Ramadan is here. There are a lot of options as you can see. It's up to you to choose! Again, we suggest you enjoy and cherish these special meals with your families and friends... the more the better!

Lavish Ramadan tent at the Ritz

The Ritz Carlton in Riyadh has two venues for their Ramadan offerings. One in the Al Orjouan Restaurant and another in their Ramadan Tent. Both are priced the same and serve international cuisine. 

Price: SR 325 per person 

Reservations: +966-11-802-8020 

http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Riyadh/Default.htm 

Al Faisaliah Hotel's Grand Ballroom is open for after at SR 330 per person. The renowned Globe Restaurant with panoramic views of the city is open for suhoor at SR 330 per person also. Its sister Hotel Alkhozama is also offering after buffets in two of their restaurants: For Al Nakheel, it's SR 160 while in Garden Barbecue, it's SR 195 per person for after and SR 135 for suhoor. 

Reservations: +966-11-273-2000
You can get the Al Faisaliah deals at 50% by getting the vouchers in Groupin!

http://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/al-faisaliah-hotel-riyadh 

http://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/hotel-al-khozama-riyadh 

The grand Ramadan tent of Four Seasons 

Four Seasons Hotel in the Kingdom Centre offers an exquisite Ramadan tent at their Kingdom Ballroom. 

Price: SR 345 per person 

Reservations: +966-11-211-5544 

http://www.fourseasons.com/riyadh/ 

The appetizer table of Marriott's Mosaic Restaurant entices!

The Riyadh Marriott Hotel is welcoming you to their buffets both for after and suhoor. We like the Marriott's friendly managers and staff, and of course, their delicious food! 

Price: SR 235 for iftar | SR 145 for suhoor 

Reservations: +966-11-477-9300 

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ruhsa-riyadh-marriott-hotel/ 

Sheraton Riyadh Hotel and Towers is serving their rich buffet after at their pool garden. 

Price: SR 240 

Reservations: +966-11-454-3300 

http://www.sheratonriyadh.com/

Four Points by Sheraton Khaldia celebrates the holy month of Ramadan with special treats from their Al Nakheel Restaurant. 

Price: SR 155 for iftar | SR 110 for suhoor 

Reservations: +966-11-268-2222 

http://www.fourpointsriyadhkhaldia.com/ 

That chocolate fountain is a super sweet treat!

Meanwhile, the Intercontinental Hotel in Al Maather Street is inviting you to try their sumptuous after with mouthwatering cuisine. 

Price: SR 265 for after | SR 185 for suhoor 

Reservations: +966-11-465-5000 

http://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/gb/en/riyadh/ruhha/hoteldetail 

The Hilton Garden Inn in Olaya is having a promo so bring your friends because if you go there with four of your companions (making you a group of 5) for iftar, you'll only pay for 4! 

Price: SR 135 for after | SR 95 for suhoor 

Get the voucher from Cobone and you'll only pay SR 99 per person. 

Reservations: +966-11-293-5533 

http://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/ 

Deals on other hotels can also be found in Cobone. Try them out too! 

Now that is a dessert buffet!

Golden Tulip Hotel offers traditional and international food in their Andalusia Restaurant. Only SR 55 if you buy the voucher here: http://www.cobone.com/deals/riyadh-food-ramadan/goldintulipriyadh-19june-iftarbuffet/31659 Prebooking required so call in your reservations. 

Price: SR 55 via Cobone 

Reservations: 0548457215 

The modern vibe of Business Hotel

The Business Hotel, also in Olaya, boasts of an after and suhoor buffet created by Executive Michelin stars awarded Chef Charles Andreou. Try their cuisine by buying the voucher for their after tent here: http://www.cobone.com/deals/riyadh-food-ramadan/thebusinesshotel-23june-iftarorsahourbuffet/31918 

Price: SR 99 via Cobone 

Reservations: +966-217-3777 

www.tb-hotels.com 

Carawan Al Fahad Hotel serves a feast!

Carawan Al Fahad Hotel in Oruba has a wide variety of Arabic, International, and Oriental dishes in their buffet line-up. Their Cobone voucher is only SR 80 so get it here: http://www.cobone.com/deals/riyadh-food-ramadan/carawanallfahad-19june-RamadanIftarBuffet/31797 

Price: SR 80 via Cobone 

Reservations: +966-11-217-2345 

www.carawan-alfahad.com

So what's next? The restaurants' offers and promos, of course! Don't hold your breath; it's coming! :) ~ Sundrenched

Top 5 Things to Remember During Ramadan in Riyadh

I've already been through 6 Ramadans in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia but for some reason, I always forget some things that are necessary during this month. As a non-Muslim, there are changes that do not become second nature to me during Ramadan. For example, I am still not aware of the operating hours of some business like the banks and the supermarkets. What time do they open again?!? Or do the restaurants close during the isha'a prayer or do they remain open once they open for iftar?! Yup, 6 years in the Kingdom and I can't still seem to remember. And I always grasp for the answers when Ramadan already starts. Typical. 

In order to remember all these things, I decided to write about them so come next Ramadan, I will not forget. Sheesh, I should've written this 5 Ramadans ago! Anyway, here are things you need to remember during Ramadan:

1. DO NOT EAT/DRINK/SMOKE IN PUBLIC.

Most expats in Saudi Arabia already know this. And in case you're new or you forgot... don't worry, every year, the newspapers remind you of it. Like this news article from Arab News that says Non-Muslims told not to eat in public during Ramadan. Yup, NEWS... is this something new? I nearly rolled my eyes and exclaimed, "I know that! Don't we know that?!?" There is a huge penalty if caught eating/drinking/smoking in public. You lose your job and get deported. Many expats, especially us non-Muslims respect the holy month of Ramadan and the sacrifices that our Muslim brothers and sisters do for this month. I honestly believe that if there will be someone caught doing this, it's only because they unconsciously forgot or are ignorant about the rule (probably because he/she is new) and not because they want to disrespect anyone. So deportation is a bit harsh for a punishment don't you think? Anyway, again DO NOT EAT, DRINK, AND SMOKE IN PUBLIC DURING RAMADAN. Also, don't play loud music.

2. WORKING HOURS ARE REDUCED.

In consideration to our Muslim brothers and sisters who are fasting, the working hours in both government and private companies and institutions are reduced, mostly by 2 hours. Some companies will start their working hours late or some might end theirs early. Some gives a general schedule that includes all employees but some companies and hospitals will opt that non-Muslims retain the normal working hours. So don't be surprised if the roads on your way to work on Ramadan mornings are empty and it's chaotic when you go home in the afternoon.

During regular days, you will not see King Fahd Road as empty and clean as this.

3. BUSINESS OPERATING HOURS ARE CHANGED.

"What time does (name of shop) open during Ramadan?" This is one of the most popular questions asked during Ramadan. Honestly, I just want to shrug all these questions off or answer 'I don't know!' Because like I said, I tend to forget what happened last Ramadan (except number 1, I don't forget that). Anyway, I also want to know. So I researched and came up with this list of popular stores/business centers and their operating hours.

Carrefour - 10:30AM to 2:00AM (they close during the prayer times)

Jarir Bookstore - Depends per store so the schedule is quite long to put in this entry. Check it HERE.

IKEA - Saturday to Thursday (12:30PM to 5:00PM and 9:00PM to 3:00AM) | Friday (9:00PM to 3:00AM

Malls - Some malls are open from 10:00AM to 5:00PM (closes during prayer times) but the brands/stores inside are not all open. So to be sure, just go around 9:00PM to 2:00AM.
Banks - Varies depending on banks. But most are open from 10:00AM to Asr prayer.
- Alrajhi Bank (10:00AM - 3:30PM)
- Saudi Hollandi Bank (10:00AM - 4:00PM)
- Banque Saudi Fransi (10:00AM - 4:00PM)
Enjaz - Saturday to Thursday (10:00AM - 4:00PM and 9:00PM to 12:00 midnight) | Friday (9:00PM to 12:00 midnight)

4. RESTAURANTS OPEN DURING THE MAGHREB PRAYER.

Most restaurants are closed during the day. The maghreb prayer signals the breaking of the fast during the Ramadan so instead of closing, the restaurants are opening at this time. Some restaurants are already open 30 minutes to 1 hour before the maghreb prayer to accommodate customers for iftar. Restaurants also closed during the isha prayer but most of them will let customers stay inside to eat. They open again after the isha and are open until midnight or the wee hours of the morning for suhoor.

5. TAKE NOTE OF TIMINGS and TERMINOLOGIES.
Here is the table of the prayer times in Riyadh during Ramadan.

Taken from Islamic Finder

I looked at Muslim Pro, the iphone app I used to check prayer times, for comparison and the only difference is around 1-2 minutes on some of the timings above. So who knows who's that accurate?!

I used Arabic terminologies in the entry and you're probably thinking 'wut?!' so here goes some terminologies that you'll mainly encounter during Ramadan.

Ramadan - The ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. For this year, it will run from June 29 to July 26.
Imzak - Start of the fasting time. It begins when the first light of dawn becomes visible.
Fajr - The dawn call to prayer; usually imzak begins a few minutes before the fajr.
Suhoor - The meal eaten before the start of fasting.
Iftar - Breaking of the fast immediately after sunset. It takes place at maghreb prayer as soon as the Adhan (call to prayer) is called.
Sawm - The Arabic word for fast.
Eid Al Fitr - A three-day celebration that marks the end of Ramadan and the starts of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This year, it will probably start on July 30, 2014.

So there you go. I hope that I cleared up some confusion whenever Ramadan comes around. To our Muslim brothers and sisters, we hope that Allah accept your sacrifices and good deeds. Ramadan Kareem! ~ Sundrenched